Modernized Heavy Lifter Includes New Avionics, Engines

The first fully modernized C-5M Super Galaxy was delivered
Tuesday to the US Air Force at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center,
Robins AFB, GA.

The aircraft is the first of three developmental test C-5M
aircraft to be delivered by defense contractor Lockheed Martin,
with the other two to be delivered to Dover AFB, DE in February
2009. All three aircraft successfully completed developmental
testing in August 2008. Current Air Force plans call for Lockheed
Martin to deliver 52 modernized C-5Ms.

"The C-5 fleet is now beginning to realize its full operational
potential as we begin fielding both Avionics Modernization Program
and Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program enhanced C-5s
for the Air Force," said Lorraine Martin, vice president of the C-5
Program at Lockheed Martin. "The combined US Air Force and Lockheed
Martin team can take great pride in its success, which is keeping
this national strategic airlift asset viable for decades to
come."

The C-5M Super Galaxy is the product of a two-phase
modernization effort. The Avionics Modernization Program (AMP)
provides a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and a digital backbone to
support the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP)
modifications. Forty-six C-5 aircraft have completed the AMP
modifications. The aircraft already returned to the fleet have
logged more than 45,000 hours with the new systems, including many
hours flown in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

RERP is the second phase of the modernization effort, which adds
new GE CF6-80C2 commercial engines (military designation
F108-GE-100) and 70 other enhancements or replacements of major
components and subsystems. The additional 10,000 lbs of thrust per
propulsion system creates 40,000 lbs of additional thrust across
the platform, significantly improving operational performance. This
comprehensive modernization program improves the fleet
mission-capable rate (aircraft availability) and the overall
reliability and maintainability of the aircraft while reducing
total ownership costs. C-5 modernization is expected to pay for
itself with operational savings.

The C-5 has been the backbone of strategic airlift in every
engagement since it entered service. It is the only aircraft
capable of carrying 100 percent of certified air-transportable
cargo, with a dedicated passenger compartment enabling commanders
to have troops and their equipment arrive in an area of operation
simultaneously.

Lockheed says the C-5 can carry twice the cargo of other
"strategic airlift systems" -- a jab at Boeing's C-17 Globemaster
III, which competes with the Lockheed C-5 modernization program for
funding. Though smaller than the C-5, the newer C-17 is also able
to operate off shorter airfields.